Come 2013, and Bollywood is going to be where all the action is — literally. While actors like Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and Ajay Devgn have adopted this as their preferred genre, other stars better known for romantic films are also on board the action bandwagon.

Reigning kings of
actionSalman Khan and Akshay are arguably the biggest action heroes in Bollywood. It’s hardly surprising then that Salman stars in Sajid Nadiadwala’s directional debut, Kick (a remake of a 2009 Telugu hit film). Nadiadwala says, “Salman’s last three action films have all crossed Rs. 150 crore. With other action films like Krrish 3 and Dhoom:3, I’ll need to take Kick to a different level.” Salman is also rumoured to be starring in another remake of a Telugu film called Brundavanam (2010).

Akshay also has multiple action films lined up — Neeraj Pandey’s Special Chhabis, AR Murugadoss’s Thuppakki remake, the remake of Ramana (2002; Tamil), and the Hindi version of Pokkiri Raja (2010; Malayalam). The remake run continues with Ajay Devgn’s Himmatwala (the 1983 original). Sajid Khan, who is directing the film, says, “Mindless action doesn’t work. It requires the right emotions.”

Action sequelsOne of the most-awaited sequels of 2013 — Dhoom:3 — will star Aamir, who isn’t the first person you expect in an action film. With international talent roped in, the stunts are expected to be Hollywood-class. Hrithik Roshan will be back to his flying and fighting ways in papa Rakesh Roshan’s Krrish 3. Saif Ali Khan and John Abraham will start off the year with Race 2. Later, John has the all-guns-blazing Shootout At Wadala, based on the life of gangster Manya Surve. Ajay will also star in Rohit Shetty’s Singham 2 and Akshay in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2.

Romantic heroes turned action stars?Shah Rukh Khan and Shahid Kapoor are better known for their comedies and romantic films. They do, however, have RA.One (2011) and Kaminey (2009) to their credit, respectively. Next year will see all three of them in action films. SRK has Rohit Shetty’s Chennai Express, while Shahid stars in the masala film Phata Poster Nikla Hero, and Prabhudheva’s Namak. What’s the formula for success, we wonder? “Wanted and Dabangg started the trend. But the script and stories still have to be fresh. Indian audiences want emotions,” says Race 2 and Phata Poster Nikla Hero producer, Ramesh Taurani.